Apple TV Gains Google Cast, But Only for Android
▼ Summary
– The Apple TV app for Android now supports Google Cast, allowing users to stream content to their TVs.
– This update addresses a key feature missing since the Android app’s launch earlier this year.
– However, the Android app still does not support Apple’s AirPlay technology.
– The change contrasts with Netflix recently removing casting support from phones to most smart TVs.
– To use the feature, Android users must update their Apple TV app to version 2.2, where a cast button will appear.
Android users now have a more convenient way to stream Apple TV+ content to their televisions, thanks to a recent update that introduces Google Cast support to the Apple TV app on Android devices. This integration addresses a significant gap for Android users who subscribe to Apple’s streaming service, allowing them to wirelessly send video from their phones or tablets to compatible TVs and streaming devices like Chromecast.
It’s important to note that this new functionality is exclusive to the Android platform. The iOS version of the Apple TV app does not offer Google Cast, maintaining its reliance on Apple’s proprietary AirPlay technology for screen mirroring. Conversely, the Android app still does not support AirPlay, highlighting the ongoing platform-specific nature of these streaming protocols. This move effectively makes casting a standard feature for Android, correcting an omission that has existed since the app’s initial release on the platform.
The timing of this update is particularly noteworthy, arriving shortly after Netflix removed its casting functionality from phones to many smart TVs. That decision pushed users toward using each TV’s native apps, making Apple’s addition of Google Cast a welcome alternative for Android households invested in the Apple TV+ ecosystem.
For users not seeing the casting option, ensuring the Apple TV app is updated to version 2.2 is the first step. Once updated, the cast button should appear in the top-right corner of the screen adjacent to the mute control on content playback screens. It is also visible within the pause overlay when a show or movie is actively playing. This addition simplifies the viewing experience, letting Android users easily shift their streaming from a mobile device to a larger screen without needing additional hardware.
(Source: The Verge)
